chunky

Um, didn't I say that it would take a few races??? Eh, ? Eh? Steve

People forget that it's not just about protecting your partner; in a race like that, you have to protect yourself as well! Steve

Okay, Laguta got up into 2nd, but NOBODY can deny Tai's efforts there! There was only the one pass, but those are the races I live for... Steve

I always thought Bodie was better - much more "professional"... Steve

No, I don't think it was cool!!! Steve

At this point, you still have to be looking to win races; that will change in the knockout heats. Thing is, while team riding IS important, I don't think the tracks and the machinery make it as easy as it used to be; it is more about speed now than track craft. Oh, and I guess we know which Lindback showed up tonight. Steve

That wasn't the reason I said that; when you are that much on the grass, you do run the risk of that. There is some grip, but I feel the surface needs a few more races. Steve

Just looks a little greasy... Steve

Probably settled that now... Steve

Ready to watch Poland and Chile, apparently... Steve

Goes back to what we were saying after Tuesday, and settling the track by getting some laps in before the meeting starts. Of course, Smolinski was grass-tracking... Steve

The speedwaygp website. You have to sign up, but it is free... Steve

You should know that racing isn't important; it's all about spouting opinions and whining... Steve

As BWitcher stated, this hasn't caused any problems before, and I agree that it is unlikely to cause any now. Speedway is a dangerous sport, and the one reservation I have is that the current setup with tracks and equipment MAY make things a little more troublesome than heavy cinders and two-valve uprights. However, riders aren't generally known for keeping their traps shut, and I can't say I have heard any serious complaints from them! Remember when they made the switch to the six-in -a-race World Pairs? Condemnation from the riders was immediate and widespread on the grounds of safety, so if they don't see this as an issue (and they are the ones risking life and limb) I see no reason for us to be concerned. Like others, I just hope the meetings aren't spoiled by refereeing decisions... No, I don't like the knockout heats. My belief has always been that whoever gets most points should win - same with league playoffs. The event name is nonsensical, but then again, the world is full of people trying to be "cool" these days. I don't get the under-21 reserve rule, and not just because they introduce a policy that all teams cannot abide by! With two-man teams, many of the countries are pretty well matched, so I don't agree that an open "pairs" event can be decided by the best under-21 rider who is not even one of the PAIR... Having said all that, I like the fact that some of the lesser nations HAVE made an impact, which is something they may not have done with a 4-man team, and I am really looking forward to the next two days! Steve

Thing is, leaving out things like the knockout heats and Under-21 riders, pairs meetings used to be a big part of speedway alongside 4TT's and Test Matches. Steve

Never thought I would say this,, but... ...I felt really sorry for the French there! I see the logic as far as a "pair", but that is rough when something like that happens. Steve

Perhaps, but GB and Australia wasn't one of them, and some of the better action came from seemingly one-sided contests. Steve

The problem is that he was on a warning, so keeping him in could have been risky... Steve

I've often wondered if speedway would be better if you actually started the meeting after ten or so races... Steve

Well, well, well... A great ride from both of them! Another "ruthless" move from Lindgren there, although Lambert was quite happy to mix it. Steve

"Oh no, children; have you seen Craig Cook?" "Behind you!" Did I really just say that??? Steve

Let's go back to black leathers, then! Fine wi' me... Thinking about it though, this is another thing that makes speedway unique; by simply using race jackets, it must be the only major team sport where individual members can be dressed differently. Steve

Maybe, maybe not, but injuries did take their toll on Sverre. Even with reference to norbold's post above regarding Christer Lofqvist, Christer's English debut was a prime example (I was there, as it was against the Dons). Sverre had just started to find his form when Peter Murray took him off, and he broke his arm. Another no-nonsense customer was Sandor Levai. Never a superstar, but a 100% trier who never gave an inch, and who on his day could beat anyone. And a nice guy. Steve

Quite impressive, actually... On 7 May, Bob started a thread "Characters of the Sixties"; a week later, we are already up to characters of the eighties!!! Back to the sixties, and what about one of the hardest of them all, dear old Sverre... Steve

That was something special! Steve